What is Sonohysterogram

sonohysterogram is a procedure to examine the inside of the uterus. This exam uses sound waves that are sent to a computer to make images of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). To get the best images, a germ-free, salt-water solution (sterile saline) is put into the uterus through the vagina.

You may have this procedure if you have certain reproductive problems, such as abnormal bleeding, infertility, or miscarriage. This procedure can show what may be causing these problems.

Possible causes include scarring or abnormal growths such as fibroids inside your uterus. It can also show if your uterus is an abnormal shape or if the lining of the uterus is too thin.

Tell a health care provider about:

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any allergies you have.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• The date of the first day of your last period.
• Any signs of infection, such as fever, pain in your lower abdomen, or abnormal discharge from your vagina.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Abdominal pain or cramping.
• Light bleeding (spotting).
• Increased vaginal discharge.
• Infection.

What happens before the procedure?

• Your health care provider may have you take an over-the-counter pain medicine.
• You may be given medicine to stop any abnormal bleeding.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
• You may be asked to take a pregnancy test. This is usually in the form of a urine test.
• You may have a pelvic exam.
• You will be asked to empty your bladder.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will lie down on the exam table with your feet in stirrups or with your knees bent and your feet flat on the table.
• A slender, handheld device (transducer) will be lubricated and placed into your vagina.
• The transducer will be positioned to send sound waves to your uterus. The sound waves are sent to a computer and are turned into images, which your health care provider sees during the procedure.
• The transducer will be removed from your vagina.
• An instrument will be inserted to widen the opening of your vagina (speculum).
• A swab with germ-killing solution (antiseptic) will be used to clean the opening to your uterus (cervix).
• A long, thin tube (catheter) will be placed through your cervix into your uterus.
• The speculum will be removed.
• The transducer will be placed back into your vagina to take more images.
• Your uterus will be filled with a germ-free, salt-water solution (sterile saline) through the catheter. You may feel some cramping.
• A fluid that contains air bubbles may be sent through the catheter to make it easier to see the fallopian tubes.
• The transducer and catheter will be removed.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Summary

• A sonohysterogram is a procedure that creates images of the inside of the uterus.
• The risks of this procedure are very low. Most women experience cramping and spotting after the procedure.
• You may need to have a pelvic exam and take a pregnancy test before this procedure. This procedure will not be done if you are pregnant or have an infection.

Sonohysterogram, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your doctor may also give you more instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your doctor.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you were given an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you start to feel better.
• Wear a sanitary pad or tampon if you have spotting.
• Return to your activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
• It is up to you to get the results of your test. Ask your doctor, or the lab that is doing the test, when your results will be ready.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have chills or fever.
• You have pain that does not go away even when you use medicine.
• You have more discharge from your vagina.
• Your discharge is yellow or green and has a bad smell.
• You feel sick to your stomach.

Get help right away if:

• You have very bad pain in your belly.
• You have a lot of bleeding from your vagina.

Summary

• After the procedure, you may have pain and spotting.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Call your doctor if you have a fever, very bad pain in your belly, or a lot of bleeding from your vagina.